A life among French antiques - “The Art of Antiquing in France: Flea Markets – Brocantes – Antique Shops” by Sharon Santoni
Dear readers, vintage hunting has long been one of my favourite things to do whenever I visit Paris. During my recent trip back in July, this cherished ritual remained firmly on my itinerary, with several new destinations added to the list — including the sought-after Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves, which I mentioned in a previous blog. Yet one of the most memorable moments of this trip came when I stopped by the Marché Paul Bert Serpette; inside a shop specialising in vintage French tableware and porcelain, from there, I discovered something rather unexpected; it was neither an elegant dessert plate once belongs to a French noble family, nor a set of luxurious silver utensils from the last century, but a book resting quietly on the floor in a secluded corner. Its light slate-blue cover, adorned with an understated damask pattern, immediately caught my eye; but what delighted me even more was its subject: antique hunting in France, and this was how I discovered “The Art of Antiquing in France: Flea Markets – Brocantes – Antique Shops”.
p.34-35 ©Franck Schmitt, from The Art of Antiquing in France, Flammarion
Published by Flammarion back in April 2026, this book is written by Sharon Santoni, the British-born founder and editor of “My French Country Home” magazine, with photography by Joanna Maclennan and Franck Schmitt. Joanna’s work has appeared in distinguished publications including “The World of Interiors”, “House & Garden” and “My French Country Home”. This beautifully produced volume offers a thoughtful guide to discovering and collecting French antiques; it explores a wide range of categories, from paintings, books and silverware to tableware, textiles, jewellery, furniture, chandeliers, mirrors and architectural as well as garden objects. Alongside practical advice, it introduces readers to specialist dealers and offers an inviting glimpse into the world of French antique collecting. This book fascinated me from the beginning because so many of its subjects are close to my heart.
p.64 ©Joanna Maclennan, from The Art of Antiquing in France, Flammarion
Sharon’s story begins with her search for furniture for her new home after first arriving in France; she recounts how, over time, she developed both a passion for French antiques and the discerning eye required to recognise a truly special piece. Her journey took her from the flea markets of Normandy, where she is based, to lesser-known markets, fairs and antique shops throughout France. With every discovery, her confidence grew. She learnt to identify what appealed to her, while gaining invaluable knowledge from experienced vendors and dealers. This copy is a combination of personal experience, professional insight, and deeply cultivated taste that gives this book its particular charm. Rather than presenting antiques as an intimidating academic subject, the author offers an accessible and elegant introduction, almost as if a knowledgeable friend were accompanying you through a French flea market.
p.74 ©Joanna Chomu, from The Art of Antiquing in France, Flammarion
Each chapter explores a different category of collectible, placing individual objects within their historical and decorative context. Readers will find guidance on period characteristics, notable makers, materials and features, all explained in a clear and approachable manner. The result is both a practical reference and a pleasurable read: a book that encourages us to look more closely, trust our instincts, and find objects capable of bringing character and beauty into our homes.
p.81 ©Franck Schmitt, from The Art of Antiquing in France, Flammarion
Discovering France’s best flea markets (or brocantes) often requires a certain amount of local knowledge. Some operate on a limited or irregular basis, while others are known primarily for particular categories of antiques. For this reason, it can be enormously helpful to have a local expert who can guide you through the markets, explain how to assess an object, recommend reliable dealers and point you towards the places most suited to your interests. I have been searching for this kind of guidance for some time; although a Parisian friend of mine has helped me at the beginning of my French vintage-hunting journey, one perspective can only take you so far. This book has given me another valuable source of knowledge, opening my eyes to markets beyond Paris, and introducing me to dealers recommended by the author herself. It has also encouraged me to explore some of my favourite categories in greater depth, including vintage books, jewellery, silverware, “terre de fer” tableware and porcelain.
p.153 ©Franck Schmitt, from The Art of Antiquing in France, Flammarion
One of my favourite parts in this book is “The Collector’s Eye”, which appears throughout the category chapters. In these sections, the author shares her insights into how to recognise a well-chosen piece, what details to examine and which characteristics may reveal an object’s age, quality or history. I also enjoyed “Meet the Expert”, in which the author introduces a preferred dealer for each category. These profiles reveal specialists who may not yet be widely known to the general public, while offering readers a more intimate understanding of their expertise and approach. For anyone interested in French antiques, these sections provide a valuable starting point for discovering trusted dealers and exploring their individual areas of knowledge. They also make the world of collecting feel more personal and accessible. For readers approaching French antiques or vintage pieces with little prior experience, this book is an ideal introduction. It offers enough practical information to inspire confidence, while retaining the elegance, atmosphere, and sense of discovery that make antiquing in France so captivating.
p.159 ©Sharon Santoni, from The Art of Antiquing in France, Flammarion
If you know someone who is passionate about French antiques but are unsure what to give them for a birthday or special occasion, this book could be an especially thoughtful choice. Beautifully photographed and generously informed, this elegant copy is more than a decorative coffee-table book, it is an invitation to slow down, look deeply, and discover the artistry and untold stories held within the objects that surround us.
Image courtesy of Flammarion.